TESSERE’s Take on Empowering Leadership Through Self-Awareness with Behavioral Essentials
In the dynamic field of zoo management, a self-awareness gap at all levels creates challenges that affect team performance, animal welfare, and organizational growth. During October’s ECHO Digital discussion, Jill Macauley and Lauren Breden from Behavioral Essentials shared strategies to equip executive leaders, aspiring leaders, HR professionals, and organizational development specialists with the insights and tools needed to close this gap.
Self-awareness is a powerful catalyst for transformational change within organizations. Our conversation delved into the pivotal role of self-awareness in leadership, examining both internal and external dimensions. With an enhanced understanding of these concepts, leaders can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, make informed decisions, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
TESSERE’s Take:
- Self-Awareness Fuels Effectiveness
Understanding your own values, triggers, patterns, and behaviors strengthens decision-making and emotional regulation, enabling leaders to build trust and inspire teams effectively. Research shows self-awareness has a more positive impact on leadership than an MBA*.
*Source: Self-Awareness Can Help Leaders More Than an MBA, Potential Project.
- Awareness Gaps Undermine Team Success
When leaders lack self-awareness, team success rates can drop by half, undermining organizational effectiveness, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. Closing the gap—where 95% believe they’re self-aware but only 10-15% actually are*-helps align leadership behaviors with organizational goals, driving cohesion and team performance.
*Source: Harvard Business Review: What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It).
- Self-Reflection Unlocks Opportunities for Growth
Practical tools like reframing self-reflection questions, seeking feedback from trusted colleagues, taking intentional pauses to reset, and recognizing personal behavior patterns enable leaders to uncover areas for growth and take actionable steps toward improvement. - Modeling Awareness Practices Sets the Tone
Leaders who model self-awareness practices — sharing their learning journeys and inviting others to partner in accountability — cultivate a culture of trust, continuous growth, and mutual improvement. - Curiosity Strengthens Relationships
Fostering psychological safety through curiosity-based conversations deepens understanding, breaks down barriers, and builds stronger connections across teams.
